($1,633+) Tacoma, WA to Portland, ME Movers
Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Portland, ME, runs anywhere from $1,633 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $14,448 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 3,145 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $3,204, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $14,448 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,922 - $7,222, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,633 - $4,820.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tacoma, WA, to Portland, ME. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,788 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Tacoma, WA to Portland, ME
Moving options from Tacoma to Portland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $4,788 - $9,997 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 46% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 63% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 3,145 miles, this route usually takes 7 to 21 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 3,145-mile route from Tacoma to Portland, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $3,204 - $7,291 | $1,922 - $3,753 | $1,633 - $3,201 | $1,712 - $3,307 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,788 - $9,997 | $2,598 - $5,337 | $1,786 - $3,699 | $2,141 - $4,399 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $9,189 - $14,448 | $3,733 - $7,222 | $2,326 - $4,820 | $2,958 - $5,837 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tacoma, WA to Portland, ME
For the 3,145-mile move from Tacoma, Washington, to Portland, Maine, full-service movers cost between $3,204 and $14,448. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $356 - $2,372 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Tacoma generally start around $316 plus $133 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tacoma to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $3,204 - $7,291
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,788 - $9,997
- 4+ bedrooms: $9,189 - $14,448
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Tacoma to Portland.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Tacoma, WA to Portland, ME
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Tacoma movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Portland, 50% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $593 - $5,930 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $237 - $1,423/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $356 - $2,846 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs49% of local movers | $1,186 - $3,558 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,965 - $11,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $888 - $1,688 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $1,186 - $2,965 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $949 - $4,151 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $356 - $1,779 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $771 - $2,372 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $356 - $17,790+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $356 - $4,151+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tacoma to Portland?
All three below meet the standards set by the Maine Motor Transport Association, the group most Maine movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Tacoma, WA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Tacoma, WA to Portland, ME
Moving containers from Tacoma, Washington, to Portland, Maine, cost between $1,922 and $7,222. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Tacoma runs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tacoma to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,922 - $3,753
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,598 - $5,337
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,733 - $7,222
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Tacoma, WA and Portland, ME. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $830 in Tacoma, WA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $89 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $178 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Washington to Maine move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,922. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,598 - $5,337.
What are the best moving containers Tacoma to Portland?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Tacoma to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Tacoma:
- All Ready Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 22 years in business
- A2B Moving & Storage, LLC (4.5/5), 16 years in business
- Mountain Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 63 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tacoma, WA to Portland, ME
Renting a moving truck for the 3,145-mile move from Tacoma, Washington, to Portland, Maine, costs between $1,633 and $4,820, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,187 - $1,356
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Tacoma daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Tacoma to Portland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,633 - $3,201
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,786 - $3,699
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,326 - $4,820
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,633 - $4,820 when pricing out a rental truck from Tacoma to Portland. Fuel alone runs $1,187 - $1,356, and overnight lodging ($178/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $89 and $415.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $178.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,187 and $1,356 for the 3,145-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $830 for 2 movers in Tacoma, Washington, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tacoma to Portland?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Tacoma, WA to Portland, ME
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Tacoma, Washington, to Portland, Maine. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,067 and $4,399.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tacoma to Portland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,712 - $3,307
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,141 - $4,399
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,958 - $5,837
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $89 - $178 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Tacoma, Washington, typically costs $830.
What are the best freight companies from Tacoma to Portland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Portland quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Tacoma, WA vs Portland, ME
Tacoma and Portland land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 123 in Tacoma and 112 in Portland, and average rent is $1,650/mo vs. $1,991/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 54 vs 62 and safety scores are 44.45 vs 67.84.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Portland, ME to Tacoma, WA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Washington to Maine over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 279 movers in our Washington network to compare for this 3,145-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Tacoma, WA, to Portland, ME, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $3,204 for a studio to $14,448 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 3,145-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,922 - $7,222. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,633 - $4,820, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $4,788 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include TD Banknorth Inc and Maine Medical Center.
FAQs: Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Portland, ME
How walkable is Portland?
Portland has a walkability score of 62 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 68, compared to 54 and 48 in Tacoma. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Portland a safe place to live?
Portland has a safety index of 67.84 out of 100 and a crime index of 32.16, compared to 44.45 and 55.55 in Tacoma. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Tacoma, WA to Portland, ME?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Tacoma, WA to Portland, ME?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Tacoma, WA to Portland, ME take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 21 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Tacoma movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Tacoma handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.